Chicago Blackhawks' Marian Hossa (C) passes the puck as Minnesota Wild's Matt Cullen (L) and Jason Zucker defend during the first period of game 1 of the NHL Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center in Chicago on April 30, 2013. File photo by Brian Kersey/UPI | License Photo

The move allowed the Blackhawks to replace Hossa on the roster. Hossa, 38, said in June he would not play this season and potentially beyond because of a skin condition.

The Blackhawks used the roster spot by agreeing to terms with defenseman Cody Franson on a one-year contract worth a reported $1 million.

A native of Sicamous, British Columbia, Franson recorded three goals and 16 assists in 68 games with the Buffalo Sabres last season. He owns 205 points (42 goals, 163 assists) in 527 NHL career games spanning eight seasons with the Nashville Predators (2009-11, 2015), Toronto Maple Leafs (2011-2015) and Buffalo (2015-17).

Franson, 30, was originally drafted by Nashville in the third round in 2005. He registered career highs in assists (29) and points (36) during the 2014-15 season as a member of the Maple Leafs and Predators.

On Jan. 17, Franson skated in his 500th career NHL game against Toronto. He shared second on the Blackhawks this preseason with four points (one goal, three assists) in three games.